Tel/fax: +27 (0) 27 921 3595
Cell: + 27 (0) 78 613 7274
E-mail: roger@tierhoek.com
Website: www.tierhoek.com

Tasting and sales:
Mon - Fri 08h00 - 17h00
Sat 08h00 - 14h00 (by appointment only)

Tierhoek is an unique, original Sandveld Farm, nestled in the lofty region of the Piekenierskloof, high up between the breezy Atlantic, and the cool Cederberg Mountains. In 2001, the property changed hands, and the original farmhouse, as well as neglected 30yr old Chenin Blanc vines, were restored back to working condition by Tony and Shelley Sandell. These two wine enthusiasts quickly realised the potential of the farm for winemaking, when they produced a wine from the Chenin Blanc, and subsequently received one of the highest ratings for any South African wine the following year, by Decanter Magazine, in the UK. The wine was noted as being of a Loire style, attained by the cool climate, altitude (760m above sea-level) and well suited terroir. Tony and Shelley immediately set to planting a further 12 hectares of vineyard, with the focus on site-specific cultivars, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre.

Soils consist of weathered sandstone, resulting in good drainage, and thereby forcing the vines to push their roots deeper in search of moisture. It's in these cooler depths where the grapes gather their minerality that is so characteristic of Tierhoek wines. Careful canopy management, and precision row directions ensure a good balance between fruitiness and herbaceousness. With the effect of a cool summer, and resulting prevalent acidity, and you have all the conditions for wines of elegance and balance. At the cellar, a minimum-intervention approach is maintained, and grapes and juice are constantly kept at low temperatures, ensuring that slow fermentations preserve all the characters of the vineyard.